2025 WV Team Preview: Wheeling Central Maroon Knights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights are in a peculiar position heading into the 2025 season. Many believe them to be the favorites to win Class A this year, but they have a potential issue brewing with their schedule. The Knights only have 8 scheduled games and face just one team from West Virginia. They'll face some of the toughest small Ohio schools in the OVAC, which will be a tall task to navigate. They'll have a small margin of error, with only 8 games on their slate. Strength of schedule will benefit their playoff odds if Wheeling Central falls to a few of those Ohio squads and will be a sight for sore eyes in the playoffs as a potential lower seed with the talent they have returning in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: vs Union Local (OH)<br>9/5: at Fort Frye (OH)<br>9/12: at Williamstown<br>9/20: at Steubenville Catholic (OH)<br>9/26: vs Perry (PA)<br>10/2: vs Barnesville (OH)<br>10/16: vs Martins Ferry (OH)<br>10/24: vs Brashear (PA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record: </strong>9-3<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 5-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1473308"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bccb86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top small school athletes in Class A this season in multiple sports will be 2026 Wheeling Central TE [player_tooltip player_id='1473308' first='Max' last='Olejasz']. He returns as the Knights' leading receiver from 2024 and has rare size and athleticism at the small school level that will prove to cause matchup issues. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Olejasz in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-update-offensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We've been high on 2026 Wheeling Central TE&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1473308' first='Max' last='Olejasz']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/max-olejasz/"></a>&nbsp;before most people knew about him, after showing a ton of potential as a junior for the Knights. We got eyes on Olejasz at the Fairmont State Prospect Camp, where he impressed the Falcons enough to extend him his first offer. He's a basketball-first athlete, but has a very high ceiling for football if he dedicates himself to growing physically to play TE at the next level. Olejasz has size and athleticism that can't be taught, and is a big ball of clay that can be molded into a future high-level college football player."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18851351/6707defd8e1545961034a082' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcce8c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895003"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bccee2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Wheeling Central LS/LB [player_tooltip player_id='895003' first='Wyatt' last='Brady'] is battling back from an injury during wrestling season, but should be good to go at some point during the season if not right away. He's the ace of the Knights' excellent linebacker corps and led the team in tackles a season ago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Brady in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-150/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='895003' first='Wyatt' last='Brady']</strong> earns our #1 long snapper ranking and debuts inside of the Top 150 in the 2026 rankings. He earned his first offer from his hometown school, Wheeling University, earlier this summer and is deserving of more looks this fall. Brady is also a highly productive linebacker who could certainly play that position at the next level, potentially even at the D2 level, but has a bright future as a long snapper in college. He has a quality wrestling background to utilize as well, where he's earned college recognition as a talented multi-sport athlete for the Knights."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17939653/66ecab42510bdae56148c245' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bccf0a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895002"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bccfbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='895002' first='Joey' last='Hall'] has been a player for the Knights since he was a freshman and returns as a 4-year standout. He battled injuries in 2024, but is back healthy and poised for a big senior year. Hall earned an offer from the hometown Wheeling U Cardinals this summer and could add more D2 interest this fall. He'll make an impact on both sides of the ball, but has been a standout defensive back who could play corner or safety at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17939611/67a376124c2f45e233a26add' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bccfde"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1580716"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd023"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1580716' first='Kade' last='Koroneos'] may have a huge breakout senior year for Wheeling Central as possibly their top rusher this season. He was a good #2 option in 2024, but appears to be in line to receive considerably more touches in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Koroneos in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-200/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"An underrated part of Wheeling Central's offensive success last season was 2026 ATH&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580716' first='Kade' last='Koroneos']</strong>. He can get it done in both the passing and running game, and placed second in each category in 2024. Koroneos is the lightning to classmate&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='862785' first='Isaac' last='Martin']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/isaac-martin-2/"></a>&nbsp;‘s thunder in the rushing attack, and could also play safety at the next level, where he ranked third on the team in tackles. He led the team in all-purpose yards with over 1,400 and scored 12 touchdowns as a versatile athlete with multi-sport college capability."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17939669/674bbf7df944d22bcd542de4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd046"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137048"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd08a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1137048' first='Troy' last='Mortakis'] will be a key piece to Wheeling Central's spin series offense as a blocking tight end who is capable of being utilized in the passing game at times, too. He's an underrated player for the Knights and does the dirty work on both sides of the line of scrimmage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Mortakis in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-1/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another prospect whom we saw in person at Fairmont State's Prospect Camp earlier this summer was 2026 Wheeling Central TE&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137048' first='Troy' last='Mortakis']</strong>. He's a valuable piece to their offensive success primarily as a run blocker, but he can make plays as a defensive end, too, on defense. H-back feels like his role at the next level, a spot where he's worthy of some D2 looks. Mortakis rounds out our Top 10 of tight ends in his debut in the 2026 rankings."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17939664/673e5b3e772cae22489eeba8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd0ad"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1686621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd0f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1686621' first='Caleb' last='Golden'] is an under-the-radar athlete for Wheeling Central and could emerge as one of their top playmakers as a senior. You saw glimpses of it at times in 2024, but Golden should see more touches as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Golden in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-3/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another small school receiver to know this season in Class A is 2026 Wheeling Central WR&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1686621' first='Caleb' last='Golden']</strong>. He should see increased touches as a senior for the Knights, and is an underrated piece to their offense. You can align Golden in a variety of spots in their spinner series offense and use him as a gadget-type player. He can run routes out of the slot tight to the line of scrimmage, or you can hit him on reverses and allow his speed to get in space."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20174164/6798e9e21839607094320bd2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd115"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157631"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd159"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Wheeling Central QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1157631' first='Nico' last='Kusic'] is one of the top athletes in his class and is poised for a huge junior year for the Knights. He'll enter the season as the starter after taking over early last season and never looking back. Kusic is an excellent athlete with size who produced at a high level on both sides of the ball as a sophomore. We saw him in person this summer at our Combine Series camp, where he earned QB MVP and may flip to that position in the rankings depending on how he looks this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19513076/6747a25ec5646942d517c9ba' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd17b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1304656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd1bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Wheeling Central LB [player_tooltip player_id='1304656' first='Dustin' last='Sanner'] is beginning to receive the recognition we thought he was deserving of after producing a standout sophomore year. He'll have colleges after his services if he produces again as a junior and should see his recruitment take off next offseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Sanner in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2027-summer-rankings-update-defensive-stock-risers/">2027 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another 2027 linebacker who impressed as a sophomore varsity starter was Wheeling Central's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1304656' first='Dustin' last='Sanner']</strong>. He was the second-leading tackler for the Knights in 2024, posting 90 total stops, 6.5 for a loss, and 3.5 for sacks. Sanner is growing well into his 6'1 frame, with high-level athleticism that will allow him to develop into a complete linebacker prospect by his senior year. He has all of the physical tools and is steadily working on his own time to become a top prospect in the 2027 class, and is a name that colleges will want to keep an eye on over the next two seasons."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20259473/6754a53f1c6c21aab9802c40' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd1e0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1168050"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd224"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best specialists in the 2027 class is Wheeling Central K [player_tooltip player_id='1168050' first='Clayton' last='Petry']. He'll be a weapon for the Knights to use in the kicking game as someone you can trust attempting 50+-yard field goals and putting the ball in the end zone consistently on kickoffs. Petry is making his name known on the national scale at kicking camps and could see some D1 colleges after him with a big junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2 scrimmages<br>❕52yd fg ❕<br> 6/6 Extra Pt<br> 3/5 TB long of 68 <a href="https://twitter.com/OhioValleyPreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OhioValleyPreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TuckerDonati?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TuckerDonati</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMacKicking?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMacKicking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeYou47339306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeYou47339306</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachEMorrissey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachEMorrissey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachW_Edwards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachW_Edwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/YJMB5cw9nr">pic.twitter.com/YJMB5cw9nr</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1168050' first='Clayton' last='Petry'] (@ClaytonPetry27) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaytonPetry27/status/1958696575380688933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155194"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd26b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155194' first='Dominic' last='Paesani'] is a two-way standout for the Knights and has done so since he was a freshman. We like him as a defensive line prospect given his size, but he'll be one of their top offensive linemen as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here's what we recently said about Paesani in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2027-top-100-pt-2/">2027 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another 2027 prospect who was in our rankings in the past and comes off the Watch List heading into his junior year is Wheeling Central DL&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155194' first='Dominic' last='Paesani']</strong>. He's been a productive player for the Knights since he was a freshman as a two-way lineman who will shine on both sides of the line. Paesani projects best as an interior defensive lineman given his size, and could earn scholarship opportunities at that position in the future. He's a strong, powerful athlete with quality athleticism that he displays on both sides of the line."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19645299/6742986508227b3a7679444b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd28d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155294"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd2e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='895003' first='Wyatt' last='Brady'], [player_tooltip player_id='1304656' first='Dustin' last='Sanner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1473308' first='Max' last='Olejasz'] get a lot of the attention in Wheeling Central's linebacker group, but don't forget about 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1155294' first='Brady' last='Ernest'] either. He doubles as a standout baseball player for the Knights, but has done some good things on the football field as well. Ernest is likely to debut in the 2027 rankings after the season and was their 4th-leading tackler as a sophomore. He's put on good size and has the athleticism to earn some college looks for football in the future as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19482800/6769a4fe3a1d2e42db4c5a10' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68af598bcd305"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693735' first='Luke' last='Wear'] - 2026 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carver Bolon - 2026 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joey Jerrome - 2027 WR/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olen Ames - 2027 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->